The Marriage Equality Act, which was signed into law in September 2024, will become effective on 23 January, opening the door for Thai LGBTQ couples to legally register their marriages.

The Marriage Equality Act amended the Civil and Commercial Code, using “spouse” in place of “husband” and “wife” and “person” instead of “man” and “woman” to allow for gender-neutral marriage registrations. All existing legislation relating to “husbands” and “wives” will subsequently apply to legally-married spouses. The bill will also raise the age at which a person can legally marry from 17 to 18, in line with international children’s rights principles.

The bill was approved by parliament on 27 March 2024 and passed its first Senate reading on 2 April 2024. After passing its second and third Senate readings on 18 June 2024, it was signed into law on 24 September 2024.

The Act came with a 120-day moratorium to accommodate the required changes. It was previously expected that it would come into effect on 22 January 2025. However, according to a letter published by the Court of Justice’s Office of Judicial and Legal Affairs on 27 December 2024, the Act will come into effect on 23 January, after the 120 days have lapsed.

Matichon Online reported on 3 January that, according to Ministry of Interior spokesperson and secretary to the Minister of Interior Traisulee Traisoranakul, the Ministry is preparing for marriage registration under the new law. She said that the Department of Provincial Administration has consulted with relevant agencies, amended regulations about marriage and family, and made necessary changes to its computer system. The Marriage Equality Act will become effective on 23 January, she said, and every district office will be ready for marriage registration.

Although questions have been previously raised about whether the amended regulation on family registration has been signed by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Traisulee said that the regulation is going through the normal administrative procedure and every couple will be able to register their marriage on 23 January.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has said that it has prepared its personnel and district offices for marriage registration for LGBTQ couples, and that a workshop was held on 4 January on gender sensitivity and communication skill, run by speakers from Thammasat University’s Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education. Adisorn Chantarasuk, the faculty’s dean, said that officials tend to say that they are following the law, but as emotion and understanding are also involved when communicating with other people, the process will run more smoothly if registrar officials are friendly and understanding.

Deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said that while the law and society are ready for marriage equality, the missing piece is understanding among the officials, something they need to work on.

Sanon said that the BMA is concerned about the time it will take for couples to register their marriage on the first day. Those wishing to to do so on 23 January at district offices or at an event held in collaboration with Bangkok Pride at Siam Paragon shopping mall are encouraged to register ahead of time. He said that at least 100 couples have registered, and that the BMA is expecting at least 300 but is ready if more show up.